If you ever find yourself in Oregon, here's what I recommend:

Best view: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock (left, as seen today from US 101), even when it's overcast.

Best clam chowder: Mom's. Today we each reached our limit digging for razor clams, and we had fab chowder for dinner. Cleaning is not so fun, but eating makes it worth it. If you can't have Mom's, eat at Mo's. Great view.

Best ice cream cone: Anything from the Tillamook cheese factory. Gary's choice: Wild huckleberry. Mine: Chocolate peanut butter. Alexandra's: Bubble gum.

Best time to come: When it's hot in Texas. And if you want to dig for razor clams, when the Pacific tide is low. That's usually around Father's Day weekend. How many people do you know who plan their vacation around the sea tide?

Best book store: Powell's in Portland. I felt like I should have left bread crumbs so I could find my way out.

Best transportation: Light rail in Portland. It's free!

Best places to stay: Highbrow wilderness, Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood. Highbrow city, The Doubletree Inn, Portland. Lowbrow (but private and fun): Kamping Kabins at the KOA in Warrenton/Astoria. It helps if your family can lend you sleeping bags.

Best short coastal hike: Oswald West State Park, south of Cannon Beach. You walk through a heavily wooded area and find yourself suddenly gazing at the rugged coast.